Getting Connecticut hunting licenses is a requirement for all prospective hunters who would like to take animals from state-sanctioned wildernesses. Failure to provide proper hunting license credentials to wildlife officials during a hunting trip may result in poaching charges which can lead to a number of fines and penalties. Hunting licenses are regulated and issued to both residents and visitors of the state by the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection. Available hunting license types are categorized based on a number of factors such as the hunter’s age and residency status. Other factors that play into both the type of license to hunt and the fee for the hunting license include the length of the hunting license’s validity, the type of weapon the hunter plans on using to catch game and the species of game the hunter plans to catch. However, prior to buying CT hunting licenses hunters must first meet all of the requirements set by the state’s wildlife department. The most critical requirement mandated by the CT wildlife department for buying hunting licenses is the hunter education requirement. Hunters who meet a certain set of criteria must complete a hunter education course prior to submitting a hunting license application. Hunter education courses teach prospective hunters a variety of important information concerning hunting practices, including firearm safety, hunting ethics, wildlife conservation methods and tips on surviving in the wild. To find out more about how to get hunting licenses in Connecticut, read the sections below:

What types of hunting licenses are available in Connecticut?

Connecticut hunting licenses are available in a variety of categories from the Connecticut wildlife department. Factors that divide hunting licenses into categories include the applicant’s age, residency status, the type of weapon they plan on using and the type of animal they plan to hunt. Fees for hunting permits are primarily based on the applicant’s residency status at the time of application, with residents getting a discount on hunting licenses in comparison with visitors to the state.

Available license types include firearms hunting licenses, combination hunting and fishing licenses, Super sport licenses and archery licenses for deer and small game hunting. Annual and combination fishing and hunting licenses are available to both residents and non residents, while all other hunting licenses are only available to residents. Super sport licenses combine a number of privileges including firearms hunting, private land deer hunting, private land spring turkey hunting and all waters fishing. The separate super sport waterfowl license gives the holder the same privileges as firearm hunting licenses, duck stamps, HIP permits and all waters fishing licenses combined into one convenient license. The department also offers youth hunting licenses to resident minors in the state.

Prior to getting hunting licenses in Connecticut, peruse the various CT hunting permit options. After deciding on a license, complete the hunting license application process.

How do I purchase hunting licenses in Connecticut?

To buy hunting licenses in CT, hunters must complete a hunting permit application with the Connecticut wildlife department. The wildlife department offers applicants a number of methods for submitting a hunting license application, including online or in person.

To buy hunting licenses online, visit the Connecticut Online Sportsmen Licensing System (fishing licenses may also be purchased through this system). To buy hunting licenses in person, visit a local Connecticut wildlife department office or one of the many authorized licensing retail agents (i.e. town clerks, sporting goods stores, etc.). Online applicants must provide certain information during the application process, including name, date of birth, Social Security Number and a valid credit card number for the hunting license fee payment.

Am I required to take any hunting classes in order to purchase a Connecticut hunting license?

Hunters who possess a valid hunting license issued in the past five years can present the license to wildlife department officials in order to buy hunting licenses. However, hunters applying for the first time must initially complete the state’s hunter education requirement prior to buying licenses to hunt in Connecticut. Once the hunting education course is complete, students are issued a certificate of completion which they can use to buy hunting licenses. Hunter education courses â also known as Conservation Education/Firearms Safety courses â can be attended by all prospective hunters who are at least 10 years of age. Information provided in hunter education courses includes:

Hunting ethics.

Firearm safety.

Wildlife conservation.

Safe hunting practices.

Hunting courses are divided into a number of categories, which applicants can choose from based on their studying habits and personal hunting weapon preference. Prospective hunters can choose from firearms hunting courses, bow hunting courses and trapping courses. Students also have the option of taking a traditional classroom course or an online course. Traditional classroom courses typically last 16 hours or longer and culminate in a 100-question test that students must pass with an 80 percent or higher. Additionally, students get to practice in the field via live firing at a gun range, in addition to other activities. Online courses are available for a small fee. Online students are required to complete an eight-hour field day in person following the completion of the online portion of the course.

How do I replace a lost Connecticut hunting license?

Hunters dealing with a lost or stolen hunting license in CT can order a hunting license replacement by visiting the Online Sportsmen Licensing System. Hunters should enter their Connecticut Conservation ID to log in to the site, at which point they can view any currently active hunting licenses on file. Hunters must have their computer hooked up to a working printer in order to reprint a copy of the license.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. All throughout the United States, hunters safety classes must be completed in order for applicants to obtain their desired hunting permits and stamps. Failure to take this specific course will result in the rejection of your hunting license request, thus requiring you to start over.

Depending on your state of residence, you may be able to buy hunting licenses in a variety of ways, including online (through your state department’s portal), by mail, by phone or in person. Choose the option that is most convenient for you. Make sure to also have any type of official documentation and payment for fees on hand.

No. Different states have different limits and regulations on hunting licensure. Certain animals may be considered “prohibited species,” whereas other animals may be legal to hunt, so long as you have the necessary hunting permit/stamp. Keep in mind that if you do hunt for any type of prohibited species, you will be subject to serious consequences.

Yes. States typically offer various short-term hunters license options, such as one-day and one-week passes, to those who do not meet residency requirements. In order to receive issuance of a short-term hunting license, make sure to get in touch with your state/hunting wildlife department to find out the available methods you have to apply.

In the event your hunting credentials are lost, stolen, damaged or destroyed, contact your state hunting/wildlife department to order a hunting license replacement. You may have to make an in-person visit to a local office to complete the process. At the time of your replacement request, you may be asked to present your state driving license or another type of identification.